On the 12^th April 2012; OCdt Barr (Trojan Sqn), OCdt Langan (Thunderer Sqn), OCdt Dickinson and myself set off for the RAF Watersports Centre in Danesfield.

The morning of the 13^th of April was spent addressing admin, revising the theory of rowing/sculling and learning about the different boats and how to care for and handle them.

The afternoon was spent getting some experience on the water in a variety of boats, with the DTUS bursars having the opportunity to experience single sculling vessels, 2 different types of pairs, and OCdt Dickinson, a four. In the late afternoon, all course members were required to carry out capsize drills in a seemingly arctic swimming pool at RAF Halton.

The morning of the 14^th was spent refreshing confidence in the water and practicing racing technique, but predominantly whinging about the soreness of our hands. The afternoon saw the beginning of the RAF 2012 Sprints, in which there was “immeasurable” excitement registered among all. In all there were five separate races, with OCdt Dickinson and myself winning the DTUS race and OCdt Dickinson and OCdt Langan winning the RAF Men’s Novice race.

The weekend was highly enjoyable and gave us some excellent coaching.

OCdt K Turner

Typhoon Sqn